A public schoolboy died after inhaling laughing gas with his friends, his devastated sister has revealed.

Promising art student Joseph Benett, 17, suffered a cardiac arrest after taking the popular party drug on August 31.

The teenager, from Hampstead, north London, fell into a coma but died last Thursday with his family at his bedside.

His grieving sister Camille, 27, told the Ham&High newspaper: "He just never woke up. He had such terrible brain damage and his fits were getting worse.

"When he stopped breathing, my dad and I were holding his hand."

She added: "I found it hard to leave him. As a big sister I felt a responsibility to look after my little brother."

Sixth-former Joseph, who attended University College School (UCS) in Hampstead, was at a friend's house in Hertfordshire when he collapsed.

The sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use is against the law, but the gas is becoming increasingly popular on the party scene.

A number of celebrities have been pictured inhaling the drug - nicknamed hippy crack - which can starve the brain of oxygen.

Joseph's sister added: "I think having experienced how much this hurts, people should think about whether they are putting themselves in danger.

"You do need to think about what you are doing, not just for yourself but for the sake of the people who love you."

UCS headteacher Kenneth Durham said: "It is an absolute tragedy. His friends are terribly upset. He was very talented."

A Facebook page set up in memory of the schoolboy has already attracted more than 1,000 members. Friends and family alike have paid tribute to Joseph, with one writing:

"Joe, I hope you are somewhere peaceful, surrounded by the nutty things that you loved and the things that made you laugh.

"Your close friends and family are heroes and their grace and bravery is too great for me to understand. Thank you for being a sensational friend to so many of mine, you will forever be missed and always remembered Joe Benett."

An inquest into Joseph's death has been opened and adjourned at Hertfordshire Coroner's Office.